Pops on the Heights raises $13M

BC's largest fundraising event for financial aid features the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra and special guest Lionel Richie

BC Events /
Pops on the Heights
- Published on October 03, 2018

Photo by Gretchen Ertl

The 26th Annual Pops on the Heights Barbara and Jim Cleary Scholarship Gala, the University's largest fundraising event for financial aid, raised more than $13 million for student scholarships. Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra once again headlined the sellout event, a highlight of Parents' Weekend, at Conte Forum on September 28, with a special guest performance by international superstar Lionel Richie.

The Pops on the Heights gala is one of the BC family's favorite traditions, and makes a transformational impact in the lives of deserving students. This year's concert was co-chaired by BC Board of Trustees member and former Chairman John Fish and his wife, Cyndy P ’13, ’18.

“Pops on the Heights is an experience best felt in person," said University Advancement Vice President for Development Beth McDermott. "It's difficult to describe the energy when you walk into Conte Forum and see the thousands of people gathered there to support scholarships for BC students.”

“There is no person who exemplifies the support of these young people more than the chair of this year's Pops, John Fish,” she added. “He worked tirelessly to ensure that every seat was filled to maximize the impact of Pops Scholarships on deserving students.”

In their message to attendees in the event program, the Fishes wrote: “We are thrilled to be surrounded by thousands of members of the Boston College community who are reaffirming their belief in BC and its mission: to educate young men and women who will lead lives in service to others, with the hope of a more just and loving world."

Scenes from Pops on the Heights 2018

The celebrated conductor of “America’s Orchestra,” Keith Lockhart has led more than 1,900 Boston Pops concerts. (Rose Lincoln)

The evening featured a Leonard Bernstein celebration, and included performances by student musical groups including the University Chorale. (Michael Manning)

Molly has been singing since age 10; she has sung with BC’s Liturgy Arts Group since her freshman year. (Gretchen Ertl)

Members of the Dance Organization of Boston College joined the musical performers in Conte Forum. (Gretchen Ertl)

The Boston Pops on stage with BC's Screaming Eagles Marching Band and University Chorale. (Gretchen Ertl)

International superstar Lionel Richie has sold more than 100 million albums worldwide, and has won an Oscar, a Golden Globe, and four Grammy awards. (Gretchen Ertl)

He was MusicCares person of the year in 2016, and a Kennedy Center honoree in 2017. (Michael Manning)

One accomplishment that Richie is most proud of is his bachelor’s degree in economics from Tuskegee University. (Justin Knight)

Pops on the Heights was his second visit to Boston College; he received an honorary degree in music from the University in 1986. (Justin Knight)

A versatile musician, he was able to perform multiple musical styles throughout his career, and has been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. (Gretchen Ertl)

Amid the sound and spectacle that characterize Pops on the Heights, its mission resonates. "Being a Pops Scholar has taught me the power of giving and paying it forward. Your generosity gave me the freedom to study and not have to worry about taking extra shifts at my job. I hope to give the same freedom to a future BC student one day," says Stokes Family Pops Scholar Kenye L. Askew ’18. (Rose Lincoln)